Review Chapter 18 in Potter et al. (2023). Pay careful attention to the information on communication. You may also want to review the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) module on Relational Practice(CLPNA, 2018), which is available on their website at https://www.clpna.com/2018/01/study-clpna-relational-practice- selfstudy-course/
- Recall and reflect on an interaction you have had with a health care provider in the past.
Using this experience, present your analysis of the communication techniques used by the health care professional during the interaction. Include in your paper the following components:
a) Write a brief summary of a specific interaction or conversation you had with the health care professional. The purpose of this reflection is to focus on one specific conversation. Analyze the communication techniques used during the interaction and refer to your example throughout the rest of your paper.
PLEASE NOTE it is not mandatory that you reveal any private health care information belonging to you or a family member to complete this assignment, you may provide specific details of the way this interaction was conducted without disclosing health related details. Also, please follow all privacy and confidentiality guidelines in your writing by not using any names, do not name specific people such as nurses or doctors, or name specific health care facilities.
b) In your opinion, was the interaction with the health care provider positive, negative, or neutral? Why?
c) Describe three therapeutic communication techniques that you recall the health care professional using during your interaction. Then describe how the communication techniques were used by that professional.
If you cannot recall three therapeutic techniques used during this conversation, please indicate that, and instead discuss three therapeutic communication techniques you feel are the most important to utilize when attempting to create and maintain a therapeutic relationship with your patient and their family. Then describe how they should be used.
d) Describe three aspects of non-therapeutic communication that you recall being used by the health care provider during your interaction. Describe how this non-therapeutic communication was used by the professional.
If you cannot recall three non-therapeutic techniques used during this conversation, please indicate that, and instead discuss three non-therapeutic communication techniques you feel are the most damaging or the greatest barriers to creating and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with your patient and their family and why.
e) If you were the health care provider in this scenario, describe what you would do differently. Next, discuss how you would have used therapeutic communication techniques to enhance that interaction and build a stronger relationship with your patient.
The Importance of Relational Practice in Healthcare
Introduction
In healthcare, effective communication is crucial for building and maintaining relationships with clients, families, colleagues, and others. Relational practice goes beyond interpersonal communication skills and focuses on establishing health-promoting relationships based on the complexities of a client’s lived experiences. It involves self-awareness, partnership, relationship building, and communication. This essay will explore the significance of these concepts in healthcare and discuss their practical application.
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is an essential aspect of relational practice. It involves gaining insight into one’s thoughts, emotions, biases, and values in order to better understand how they may influence interactions with others. In healthcare, self-awareness allows healthcare professionals to recognize their own limitations and biases, promoting empathy and understanding towards clients. By acknowledging personal strengths and weaknesses, healthcare providers can actively work towards improving their communication skills and providing patient-centered care.
Partnership
Partnership lies at the heart of relational practice. It emphasizes the collaboration between healthcare professionals and clients, recognizing that clients are experts in their own experiences and that their input is valuable when making healthcare decisions. Partnership involves active listening, mutual respect, shared decision-making, and a commitment to working together towards common goals. By fostering partnerships with clients, healthcare professionals can improve client satisfaction, treatment adherence, and overall health outcomes.
Relationship Building
Relationship building is a fundamental aspect of relational practice. It involves establishing trust, rapport, and a therapeutic alliance with clients. Effective relationship building requires active listening, empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity. By investing time and effort in building relationships, healthcare professionals can create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel valued and understood. This promotes open communication, encourages clients to share important information, and enhances the overall quality of care.
Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of relational practice. It encompasses verbal and non-verbal interactions between healthcare professionals and clients. Effective communication involves clear and concise language, active listening, empathy, non-judgmental responses, and the use of appropriate body language. It also recognizes the importance of cultural competence and tailoring communication styles to meet the unique needs of each client. By prioritizing effective communication, healthcare professionals can ensure that clients feel heard, understood, and involved in their own care.
Conclusion
Relational practice is a vital component of healthcare that focuses on building and sustaining health-promoting relationships with clients, families, colleagues, and others. By incorporating self-awareness, partnership, relationship building, and effective communication into their practice, healthcare professionals can provide patient-centered care that addresses the complexities of a client’s lived experiences. Through these efforts, they can enhance client satisfaction, improve health outcomes, and foster therapeutic relationships that promote trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.